Set between the ocean and hills of Calabria is this town with beautiful architecture, lidos and nearby reserves. See how it got its name as you explore its historic streets.
With a sprawling beach, grandiose medieval district and lush green countryside, Scalea is a popular vacation place on the Cedri Riviera. Scalea has the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Capo Scalea promontory rising up to the north. The name “Scalea” means ladder or stairway in Italian, which is a reference to the town’s terraced layout.
The tightly packed Old Town shelters remnants of Scalea’s ancient defensive walls and preserves the ambiance of a bygone era. As you wander admire timeworn palaces, spot long-term residents chatting in the plazas and dine at authentic trattorias. Typical of medieval towns in the province of Cosenza, there’s a ruined Norman Castle. The upper section affords panoramic views of red-roofed houses, rolling mountains and the deep-blue water.
Visit the 13th-century Palazzo dei Principe Spinelli, whose walls are decorated with 17th-century frescoes. The Cimalonga Tower was once part of the town walls and is now a museum. See a painting by Paolo de Matteis at the Church of Santa Maria d’Episcopio. The Church of San Nicola di Platea holds the tomb of the philosopher Gregorio Caloprese and the sarcophagus of the admiral Ademaro Romano.
Talao Tower dominates the skyline of the waterfront. Built as watchtower on an outcrop in the 1600s, it was later used a military garrison and a meeting point for artists. Corso Mediterraneo runs parallel to the coastline and is where you’ll find amenities such as bakeries, hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Throughout the summer season, Scalea Beach fills up with both Italian and international tourists. Spend a day at one of the lidos, which are beach clubs with bars, restaurants, sun loungers and watersport activities. August is the high season for local tourism.
Scalea is on the train route that connects major towns along the Calabrian coastline, including Diamante, Fuscaldo, Paola and Praia A Mare. The short distance from the coast to the Old Town makes getting around on foot enjoyable. Embark on daytrips to the Argentine River Valley Nature Reserve and the quiet hilltop village of Santa Domenica Talao.
